f o o d p a c k a g i n g for retail, wholesale & catering food-based businesses

definition and purpose Packaging crafts your image while integrating deliverability and maximizing shelf-life. The best planned packaging helps sell your food product by differentiating you from your competitors.

packaging should have strong visuals a positive message consistency and adaptability professionally created graphics

who needs packaging? all value added food-based businesses: farmers caterers chefs manufacturers of shelf-stable foods makers of perishable products

trends in packaging hand created illustrations, labels

trends in packaging simple, fresh, clean

trends in packaging “created especially for…”

trends in packaging wacky, humorous

trends in packaging functional

trends in packaging ethnic

trends in packaging optical illusions

trends in packaging packed as a set

trends in packaging new, unique

trends in packaging compostable

graphics and information compelling graphics and branding statement of identity name and place of manufacturer, packer or distributor declaration of net quantity ingredients & additives legibility guidelines

principal display panel FDA definition “part of a label that is most likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under normal and customary conditions of display for retail sale.” general rule of thumb for any shaped container: 40% of entire surface area = area of principal display panel

“sustainable” packaging facts 9 of 10 consumers expect a company to pick up the costs of "greener" packaging, and only 40% read and believe environmental claims. (SustainableLifeMedia Aug. 7, 2008) The FTC is investigating packaging terms like sustainable, biodegradable, compostable. 299 eco-logos are used globally to identify environmentally responsible products. More that half of packaging execs say recyclable packaging will be significantly important or the most important ethical packaging innovation over the next five years. (SustainableLifeMedia “Retailers Press for Greener Packaging” Aug. 7, 2008)

principal display panel must have: statement of identity net quantity of contents should have: compelling graphics and branding

principal display panel

packaging process design considerations use experienced designer early on specific product needs and competition all possible sales outlets technical requirements unique branding, future products, and all possible printing and promotional uses end use, perishability / shelf-life, shipping, merchandising, cost

packaging process materials pressure sensitive labels, decals flexible food packaging folded cartons bands and sleeves glass recycled plastics

packaging process printing selecting medium is key check specific artwork guidelines for printers in advance digital, offset flexography for film and labels rotogravure for variety of flexible plastics screen printing directly to plastic packaging etching directly to glass

packaging process delivery and shipping methods Important branding opportunity (retailers are customers, too!) Vital to integrity/safety of packaging Vital to food safety Can reduce environmental impact

resources Glass Packaging Institute ideas, product categories, awards, resources Be Green Packaing USA Phone: C-to-C certified tree-free, compostable food container packaging Alcan Packaging USA Phone: flexible food packaging rhondabonfield.com branding specialist RESOURCE LINKS: Associated Packaging Technologies USA Phone: addresses superior resin formations for frozen plastics and dual-ovenable (for conventional and microwave ovens) Shorewood Packaging / International Paper USA Phone: Food Service materials and Green Choice Environmental Solutions for Packaging and Displays Dade Paper Toll Free: wholesale products for retail application and food services